October 22, 2017

You’ve been brushing your teeth but lately, you don’t feel like your toothbrush has been getting the job done. Your teeth still feel icky after scrubbing your teeth. After looking down at your dental tools, you notice your toothbrush’s bristles are frayed in all directions.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you may need a new toothbrush. Uh-oh. Now you’re faced with a difficult decision: manual or electric? Your dentist in Clarksville is here to explain everything you need to know about manual and electric toothbrushes.

Knowing Your Toothbrush Options

There’s been a lot of huss and fuss about which toothbrush is better: the manual toothbrush or the powered toothbrush. Within the manual brush types, there are a lot of variations. Head design can be regular or diamond shape. Brush design can be a block pattern, v-shape, multilevel trim, or even crisscrossed. Handles can be straight, angled, flexible, or even have grips to prevent slipping. You may be wondering why this even matters, but there’s a method to this madness!

Electric toothbrushes have two basic variations. First is the rotating brush. These brushes have a small round head that rotates and oscillates. According to certain brands, these brushes have the highest in plaque removal and are ideal for reaching hard to reach areas in the mouth.

The other variation is a sonic style toothbrush. These brushes look just like the typical manual brush, but they vibrate rapidly, claiming to maximize gum health.

The Benefit of Manual Toothbrushes

Potentially the best reason to use a manual brush is cost. Electronic toothbrushes are much more expensive. Additionally, some people like the feel of a manual toothbrush in their hand or mouth and it can be friendly to patients who have dexterity issues (hence the variety of handles).

The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

On the other hand, patients with limited dexterity may prefer an electric toothbrush because they don’t have to do as much scrubbing. Powered brushes do not rely on the back-and-forth or small circular motions that manual brushes require to be effective.

In addition, some electric brushes have extra features that can help optimize oral health. These may include a timer, musical additions, and a convenient charging station to keep your brush powered up at all times.

Choose the Best Toothbrush for You!

The bottom line is that you need to choose the best toothbrush for your needs and lifestyle. All brushing is more beneficial than little to no brushing. It is important to note that nothing beats brushing twice a day for at least two minutes per session. Be sure to ask your dentist about which toothbrush can help you reach your smile goals. They might even have a free toothbrush for you at the end of your appointment!

Meet Your Dentists

When you choose to visit Arkansas River Valley dentistry, you’re choosing to visit a practice that’s dedicated to bringing you to your next level of oral health. Our three expert dentists are here to help you every step of the way, especially when it comes to caring for your teeth and gums at home. Call us if you need any advice!

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